City Paper interns answer your burning questions about college life

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

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Our interns are wise beyond their years (or at least that's what they tell us), so we asked them to fill us in on the what's what of college. Here's what they had to say.

Anna Zeberlein
College of Charleston 2017

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Provided

Baby Anna!

Favorite place to eat: Mama Kim's. It looks like a little hole in the wall on King Street, but Mama knows how to make a mean steak bowl. Her white sauce is to die for, and I've heard that one kid called for delivery while sick a few years ago and she brought him a pint of miso soup and some Sudafed. If you're good to Mama, Mama's good to you.

Favorite secret place: The rooftop at the St. Philip's Street parking garage. There's a great view of the sun setting right behind MUSC.

Favorite place to study: River's Green, the green space behind Addlestone Library. There's wifi, chairs, and tables outside Starbucks, and you can get some sun on a nice day. I like to put in my headphones and catch up on my reading while stretched out on a blanket.

Best advice for freshmen: Have fun, but not too much fun. There's so much to do in Charleston, it's easy to forget why you're here — school. I try to balance schoolwork with going out by only allowing myself to go out Thursday through Saturday. There's tons of other stuff to do other than going out, so be sure to balance those activities too.

Kaleb Eisele
College of Charleston 2016

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Baby Kaleb!

Favorite place to shop: Veggie Bin on Spring Street has the cheapest locally grown produce, or get groceries free by volunteering with the CofC Garden Club. Green Dragon in North Charleston for my nerdier desires, and Artisan Tees on Spring St. for my duds.

Money saving advice: Do the free stuff. Look at your school's events for regular free meals, get your coffee from the English Lounge, go to free concerts, and join a club. If you aren't a student, there's still tons of art shows, music, and outdoor movies all over the place. Walk behind a carriage tour if that's your thing.

Favorite past job: Hands down, Sottille Theatre. Working as a stagehand taught me valuable life skills in the most fantastic environment. You're paid to attend shows and the working pace was just right.

Best advice for freshmen: If you're nerdy, let yourself be nerdy. Don't be afraid of what you love, because there are lots of people who are dealing with the same struggle. Find them. Join the anime club if you want, take classes slanted toward your interests, and learn to be confident in your own skin. It's confidence that will give you a social edge, not your interests.

Kye Toscano
College of Charleston 2016

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Baby Kye!

Favorite place to eat: I share a deep connection with Chipotle, but if we're talking about Charleston institutions ... well, I can't really pick a favorite, but I love both Aya Cookhouse in Mt. Pleasant and Edmund's Oast. Go there, your stomach will be happy. Oh yeah, and if you're on campus, I demand that you pick up lunch from Pink Bellies food truck. I know, it's three places — whatever, leave me alone, mom.

Favorite place to study: My apartment. Free coffee and free snacks. When that gets tiring I like heading to City Lights Coffee because it's so funky or Brown's Court Bakery because cookies. If only Kudu had free wifi ...

Favorite place to shop: Without a doubt, Goodwill. Especially if you like outdated 90s wear like me. Go to the wealthier areas (like Mt. P), and I can almost guarantee you'll find that sweater vest you were looking for.

Best advice for freshmen: Do your homework or something.

Samantha Connors
College of Charleston 2016

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Baby Samantha!

Favorite place to eat: Persimmon Cafe. It's super close to campus, their sandwiches are relatively cheap, and the staff is always really friendly. My favorite panini is the Greek or the Dom. And make sure you try the pasta salad with goat cheese — you'll never want pasta salad from anywhere else.

Favorite place to study: Kudu. I like grabbing a table in their courtyard so that I can enjoy the outdoors but still chug some espresso enhanced lattes to keep me focused. Once I've finished all my work, I like being able to switch from their delicious coffee drinks to a cold craft beer. It's the perfect way to reward myself after a hard study sesh.

Favorite deal in town: Cypress offers $5 burger deals every Monday night. Their food is delicious, and I like enjoying the sophisticated vibe of the restaurant without having to pay the sophisticated price.

Best secret place: The Unitarian Church on Archdale Street has an artfully overgrown cemetery that I love visiting when I'm feeling too stressed. Hanging out in a cemetery might sound strange, but the landscaping is so beautiful and the history of the place is so interesting that it creates a surprisingly calm atmosphere.

Favorite place for live music: The Royal American. There's a great outdoor patio, and the venue is small enough that you always get a front row seat to the show. Plus, they offer $8 alcoholic punch in a 32 oz. souvenir cup.